Press Release - February 24, 2025

EU and The Reckoning Project Strengthen Efforts to Hold Russia Accountable for War Crimes in Ukraine

Kyiv, February 24, 2025

The European Union (EU) is reinforcing its support with The Reckoning Project (TRP): Advancing Accountability and Countering Russia’s Impunity in Ukraine. TRP is an initiative that brings together journalists, researchers, data scientists and legal experts to document war crimes, build legal cases, and combat disinformation by using reliable media outlets. It is a unique nexus between the courts of law and the courts of public opinion. 

Initially funded with EUR 1 million, the project has received an additional EUR 900,000, reflecting the EU’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s legal and investigative capacity. The Reckoning Project ensures that crimes against Ukrainian civilians, including children, are meticulously documented and prosecuted.  It fights against the darkness of impunity.  In three short years, TRP has achieved tremendous impact and recognition globally. 

“Victims of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine deserve justice, and the EU remains committed to ensuring accountability." said Katarína Mathernová, EU Ambassador to Ukraine. “By supporting The Reckoning Project, we strengthen the vital work of documenting atrocities and ensuring that justice is served. Ukraine’s civil society is not only a pillar of democracy but also a source of incredible strength and resilience in the face of Russia’s brutal aggression.”

The Reckoning Project applies an internationally -recognised methodology developed from 35 years of experience in conflict zones. It prioritises safe evidence collection, ensuring survivors and witnesses are protected while providing reliable documentation for criminal proceedings and international media exposure.

Ukrainian journalists and human rights defenders working with TRP receive specialised training to collect legal evidence on war crimes, including:

• Torture

• Deportations

• Sexual and gender-based violence

• Indoctrination

• Other violations of international law

• Preventing retraumatization

“The EU’s support is crucial to ensuring justice and accountability for war crimes,” said CEO Janine di Giovanni. “Our team’s work in Ukraine is part of a broader global strategy to combat impunity for those who violate international humanitarian and human rights law.”

In 2024, The Reckoning Project signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, allowing the transfer of documented evidence for criminal proceedings. The project also regularly submits evidence to the International Criminal Court and reports on Russian impunity to the United Nations as well as the Commission on Inquiry.

Beyond legal efforts, The Reckoning Project plays a crucial role in countering Russian disinformation. By leveraging international media, particularly in the Global South, it ensures that Russia’s war crimes and the pursuit of justice remain in the global spotlight.

For additional information, please contact Maksimas Milta, Ukraine Country Director at The Reckoning Project, via maksimas@thereckoningproject.com.